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​Utah Women Join With Prominent Artists To Fight Breast Cancer and Celebrate Survival at ‘Creating for the Cause’ on Sept. 27

9/22/2013

Thirteen of Utah’s most prominent artists are working to paint a new picture of women’s health — one where no one dies from breast cancer.

On Friday, September 27, at 10 am, Pilar Pobil, Lee Udall Bennion, Leia Bell, and other leading artists will unveil 13 paintings at a special event at Intermountain Medical Center Breast Care Center in Murray that marries art with hope.

The event, “Creating for the Cause,” will celebrate the strength, courage, hope, and struggle of women whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.

Women attending the celebration will also be creating their own works of art on an unusual “canvas” — 300 colorful brassieres — using paints, sequins, feathers, ribbon, flowers, and more.

“Utah women are amazing at taking care of all the people in their lives, but sometimes they’re not as vigilant about taking care of themselves,” said Brett Parkinson, MD, medical director of the Breast Care Center at Intermountain Medical Center.

“Only one test — the mammogram — has been proven to save lives from breast cancer. But Utah women rank second to last in the nation in getting the recommended exams,” said Dr. Parkinson.

The women involved in “Creating for the Cause” recognize the importance of mammography and are using their talents to help raise awareness about breast cancer. They are also raising funds. Their paintings will be available for purchase, with 40 percent of the proceeds dedicated to providing mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women.

"This is a great idea to get women to look at their own health," said artist Kathleen Peterson. "I hope that my painting creates a feeling of peace and strength, and provides encouragement for women who go through cancer treatment to know that they are still beautiful and strong and that there are wonderful things to look forward to."

Many of the artists have been touched personally by breast cancer and tapped their experiences to create their paintings.

"I've seen an amazing amount of strength at times in people who are battling breast cancer," said painter Lee Udall Bennion. "When people look at my artwork, I hope they can see themselves in it, regardless of the role they are playing in breast cancer — caregiver, survivor, family member, or friend."

Women are invited to attend along with their mothers/sisters/daughters/best friends — and the men who love them. In addition to being inspired and getting crafty, participants can also enjoy live music, delicious food, and a chance to meet some of Utah’s most respected artists.

On Oct. 1, Intermountain Healthcare will begin using 3D mammography for breast cancer screening. 3D mammography is a new cutting-edge technology that will be demonstrated at a health fair at the “Creating for the Cause” event.